#Smallbiz Wrap: Attack of the Buzzwords

Throughout history, slang has come and gone. What once was groovy became radical which is now awesome or perhaps epic or maybe something far newer that I haven’t heard because I am not cool and I live in a cave. The point is, language evolves and with it, our attitudes. What might, on the surface, seem like nothing more than “what those kids are saying” or “what buzzwords will rule 2013” actually has real consequences on how we think and behave.

For example, I remember when everyone was talking about “paradigm shifts.” I heard it at meetings, on TV, in un-funny Dilbert strips. But it was a reflection of how many businesses really were focused on changing their industries in a real way, or at the very least, trying to. It’s not that these trends are always good, mind you, but they’re always worth understanding, if only to know what your competitors are doing and understand what the heck your kids are saying. Not doing so would be an EPIC FAIL, bro.

Speaking of buzzwords, you’ve probably heard about lean startups and pivoting and the like. Here’s a reminder that sometimes your early evidence isn’t enough evidence. Sometimes, early evidence is a lie. See also: every first date ever.